Fire at Cross St. Market, 1951 May 18

The collection consists of 37 boxes of more than 6,000 photographic prints and negatives. All photographs were shot by Robert Kniesche, unless otherwise noted in the container list.

As a photojournalist, Kniesche captured a wide variety of subject matter in Maryland and particularly in Baltimore. The collection feature quintessential Baltimore scenes, including images of the "The Block", Arabbers, painted screens, and marble steps. There are photos of public buildings, churches, and residences; maritime scenes, including the Baltimore harbor, oyster harvesting, ship building, and log canoes; sports, including horse racing, fox hunting, regattas and football. Football photos include Colts games and players such as Gino Marchetti and Alan Ameche.

Kniesche was particularly fond of animals and there are a large number of photographs of zoo animals and domestic cats. Aviation was also a popular subject and the collection includes images of airplanes and specific aircraft, including a dirigible, airmail plane, and an aerial dogfight. There are also aerial views of Baltimore and other locales in Maryland, and Washington D.C.

Celebrities captured by Kniesche’s camera include Veronica Lake, Betty Hutton, H.L. Mencken, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Wrong-way Corrigan, Rosa Ponselle, Lily Pons, Rin Tin Tin, Fritz Maisel and Babe Ruth.

This collection was previously known as B27, therefore some items may be labeled with this designation.